In statement, Abby's family says she suffered 'unspeakable violence,' trusts 'justice will be done'

NORTH CONWAY — Abigail Hernandez suffered “unspeakable violence” at the hands of her alleged kidnapper, Nathaniel E. Kibby, the family said in a statement released Tuesday.

“Abby was violently abducted by a stranger,” read the statement, posted on bringabbyhome.com. “For many months, she suffered numerous acts of unspeakable violence. Through her faith, fortitude and resilience, she is alive today and home with her family.”

The statement asked that the public and media respect her privacy while the case against her alleged kidnapper moves forward.

“Abby simply asks that you respect her wishes and the justice process as this case moves forward,” the statement read. “We trust that justice will be done. On behalf of Abby, we ask that you be sensitive to the well-being of this child and give her the time and space she needs — that any of us would desire for a member of our own family or loved one who suffered as she has.”

Nathaniel Kibby, 34, of Gorham, is charged with kidnapping the then-14-year-old Hernandez while she walked from Kennett High School last October. She returned to her home July 20.

“Abby needs and wants some time and space to physically and emotionally heal,” the statement read. “It is going to be a long process in pursuit of justice for Abby and for Abby to get physically and emotionally stronger. We do not intend to have this case tried in the press.”

The statement said questions about Hernandez’s disappearance will be answered in court proceedings.

“As the justice system moves forward, and the evidence is revealed, questions about this horrific event will be answered,” the statement read.

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